As the years pass, humans typically continue to develop biologically, psychologically, and emotionally. Child development experts examine how children learn new skills, knowledge, and behaviors based on biological factors and environmental influences.
Our hybrid child development degree-completion program with both online and in-person learning prepares you for a career in various job sectors. From social work to education to healthcare, earning a bachelor’s degree in child development with us can help you build a solid foundation and succeed throughout your career.
“Students leave with not only the textbook knowledge but the ability to put that knowledge to work in improving the lives of children and families in their communities,” said Professor Dan Bacon.
What is Child Development?
Child development studies how our parents, genes, and environments affect the development of children’s personalities and traits. Child development professionals track sensory awareness, fine motor skills, socialization, and other developmental milestones. The main stages of child development that are studied are:
- Infancy
- Toddler
- Early childhood
- School-age children
- Adolescence
What Jobs Can I Get with a Degree in Child Development?
Studying child development can lead to many career opportunities. From research to social work to childcare, earning a degree in child development can get you work in various fields. According to Indeed, these are some of the many jobs child development majors can apply for:
Parent Educator
As a parent educator, you’ll teach parents how to properly care for their children based on each child’s needs. You’ll get to help moms and dads develop parenting techniques that suit their children best. The average annual salary for this position is $33,190.
Early Childhood Teacher
Early childhood teachers design lesson plans to help children learn social, motor, and adaptive skills. They monitor children, keep the classroom clean, and encourage every student to do their best. If you pursue this career, you can expect to make an average of $41,786 annually.
Camp Director
Camp directors oversee daily operations, coordinate age-appropriate activities, and manage the company budget. You’ll get to hire and train employees, order supplies, modify activities to be accessible for everyone, and attract new clients. Your expected salary is around $44,252 annually.
Childcare Center Director
As a childcare center director, you’ll be responsible for overseeing both employees and children. You’ll monitor daily operations and procedures to ensure compliance with legal guidelines and requirements. The average annual salary for this role is $46,555.
Child Welfare Specialist
If you pursue a career as a child welfare specialist, you’ll get to work in the social work sphere to help place children in safe homes and environments. You’ll also maintain files, conduct assessments, and represent children in court. You can expect a salary of $48,890 annually.
Reading Specialist
Reading specialists help students develop reading comprehension and language skills. In this position, you’ll get to plan learning activities, draft reports on student progress, and create individualized learning plans. On average, you’ll earn $51,860 annually.
Librarian
As a librarian, you keep books, documents, and periodicals organized. You’ll get to introduce children to age-appropriate books, lead storytimes, and organize crafts and activities. You’ll make an average of $56,134 annually.
Social Worker
As a social worker, you must care for underserved children in vulnerable situations. You’ll get create goals for each client, provide counseling services, refer patients to treatment centers, and maintain accurate records. You can expect to make a median annual salary of $58,041.
Child Life Specialist
Child life specialists provide ill children with coping techniques to prepare for procedures. They offer support and provide opportunities for patients to play and use their imagination. The average annual salary for this position is $67,647.
Child Psychologist
Child psychologists administer tests to diagnose patients with mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. Based on the test results, you will develop custom treatment plans, provide therapy, and document assessments. With an average annual salary of $98,855, it’s a lucrative and rewarding career.
Why SDSU Global Campus?
You can earn your bachelor’s degree in child development in only two years with us — without forgoing other commitments.
You’ll get to take a variety of courses like Interactions in Culturally Diverse Families and Theories is Socio-Emotional Development and learn about topics like:
- Developmental practices
- Early childhood education administration
- Anti-bias and culturally sustaining techniques
- Advocacy and public policy
- Community engagement
Our courses prepare you to work in industries such as:
- Early childhood education
- Teaching
- Counseling
- Healthcare
- Early intervention
- Social work
- Nonprofit work
With both in-person and online components, this hybrid degree-completion program allows you to achieve your academic goals at your own pace and schedule.
